Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Resident Doctors Toward Antihistamines

Use of proton pump inhibitors: An exploration of awareness, attitude and behavior of health care professionals of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background & Objectives

One of the broadly talked about class of medications for their extravagantly expanded abuse is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). In spite of the fact that, they are known to be profoundly useful, it is accounted for several adverse manifestations. Health care professionals can assume an essential part in controlling its irrational use. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitude and behavior of health care professionals of Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia on the use of PPIs by a cross-sectional study design.

Methods

The study data was obtained through a validated self-administered questionnaire covering knowledge (20 items), attitude (8 items) and behavior (6 items). Furthermore, demographic questions were placed to decide their effect on the intended three domains. The results were analysed by descriptive analysis and affirmed by multinomial regression method using SPSS-IBM 25.

Results

Of 414 surveyors, 121 (31%), 182 (44%) and 103 (25%) were doctors, pharmacist and nurses, respectively. Average age of participants' was 33.96 ± 8.37 years. Both doctors and pharmacist showed better degree of information (13.17/20 and 13.25/20) and good attitude (6.66/8 and 6.9/8) towards PPI use compared to nurses. Altogether higher extent of knowledge score showed by highly educated individuals, middle age groups and those with more practicing experience. The reliance on the utilization of PPI is less among pharmacist and nurses when compared to doctors. The outcome of the regression analysis exhibited that the odds of having low knowledge is more in young and bachelor degree holders.

Interpretation & Conclusion

Healthcare professionals in the Riyadh area are generally positive about the use of PPIs. However, increasing their level of knowledge and reducing their reliance on PPIs must be strengthened. Frequent professional development programs and trainings for healthcare professionals are needed to minimize widespread PPI overuse.

Using Patient Profiles To Guide The Choice Of Antihistamines In The Primary Care Setting In Malaysia: Expert Consensus And Recommendations

H1-antihistamines are recognized to be effective for conditions such as allergic rhinitis and chronic spontaneous urticaria. However, management of such conditions in the real-world primary care setting may be challenging due to diverse patient-specific considerations, the wide range of antihistamines available, choice of other treatment modalities, and the complexity of interpreting specialist treatment algorithms. Despite regular updates to international guidelines, regional/national surveys of healthcare professionals show a clear gap between guidelines and real-world practice, particularly at the primary care level. This article thus presents the consensus opinion of experts from relevant specialties in Malaysia - allergology, pediatrics, otorhinolaryngology, and dermtology - on harmonizing the use and choice of antihistamines in primary care. Patient profiling is recommended as a tool to guide primary care practitioners in prescribing the appropriate antihistamine for each patient. Patient profiling is a three-step approach that involves 1) identifying the individual's needs; 2) reviewing patient-specific considerations; and 3) monitoring treatment response and referral to specialists in more severe or difficult-to-treat cases. Concurrently, guidelct 3ines should be reviewed and updated periodically to include recommendations that are easily actionable for primary care practitioners.